The Nurse in Greek Life

The Nurse in Greek Life

The frequent mention of the nurse in connection with the child and the family and the numerous descriptions of her in Greek art have suggested the investigation of Greek classical literature and the inscriptions with the purpose of ascertaining and presenting the position and characteristics of the nurse as a contribution to the private life of the Greeks. The subject here dealt with is viewed solely from the social standpoint, though the writer recognizes its value from the literary and psychological sides. The scope of this study practically includes the whole range of Greek literature from Homer to Plutarch. A correct notion of the part played in Greek life by this character could not have been obtained from a narrower field. Certain phases of the nurses life are discussed by Becker in his Charicles (Excursus to Scene I), and references to different aspects of the subject are found in Hermanns Lehrbuch (3rd. ed., pt. IV). Friedlnders Sittengeschichte Roms (5th. ed., I, p. 468ff.) was of special value in throwing light on some of the of Chapter IV. Wherever the works of other modern authors dealing with Greek domestic life have been used, due credit will be given them. Of the various terms employed in the literature to designate the nurse we shall speak only of four: , , , and . The first three are found in Homer[1] and the Hymns[2] with no apparent difference of meaning. is of later origin and is used of a wet-nurse by Plato,[3] Demosthenes,[4] Aristotle,[5] Antiphanes,[6] Plutarch,[7] Soranus.[8] The ancient lexicographers generally bear out this meaning of the word. While Herodianus (I, 456, l. 2, Lentz), Hesychius and Photius give as a synonym for , Suidas defines it more at length: , . Eustathius[9] calls wet-nurses , and those who have the care of children after weaning and : ... ... , ... , . Pollux defines as (II, 163) and again (III, 50) he says: . Between and he makes this distinction: , (III, 41). However, a writer of the second century A. D. plainly referring to a wet-nurse, uses , ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 64215
Author: Mary Rosaria, Sister
Release Date: Jan 4, 2021
Format: eBook
Language: English